Since its launch last summer the latest RAV4 has been a best seller for Toyota. More than 37,000 have been sold across Europe, with the United Kingdom expected to add around 10,500 this year alone. However, 3,000 of these will be a new diesel model which does not go on sale until September.

The introduction of the new RAV4 D-4D throws open a new market area for Toyota: it is its first diesel in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) range and will be fitted to both three-door and five-door models. It also comes in with a starter price of £15,995.

The two-litre D-4D common rail turbo diesel develops 114bhp at 4000rpm and offers constant torque of 184lb/ft across the power band from 1800rpm to 3000rpm.

Launch of the full-time all-wheel drive RAV4 diesel was held in Sweden, ideal territory you would have thought for a sporty off-roader. Surprisingly, most of the drive was along highways and byways, with a ten-minute rock 'n' roll along a dusty track the only off-roading experience available.

Mind you, the fact that the track was across a military training ground for tanks was in itself disturbing, especially with "Beware tanks crossing" boards in English posted regularly, a sure sign they knew we were coming. I was pleased to get out, and back on to the tarmac!

SUVs Favouring Diesel

The addition of this new diesel version will further reinforce the RAV4's position. As part of the general shift towards diesel engines that is still taking place, some 27 per cent of the small SUV market is now diesel powered, and the figure is increasing.

Really, this should be no surprise: the new range of diesels now available complement the SUV concept, giving more power, lots of low-end torque and good economy, with none of the old diesel disadvantages like noise and vibrations.

Arrival of the diesel version, matched to a five-speed manual gearbox, means that there will be eight possible RAV4 derivatives available, compared with just four for the outgoing model, replaced last year. There will be two body styles, two petrol engines (1.8-litre and two-litre) and a choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive, as well as the option of manual or automatic transmission on the two-litre. Also it comes in four trim levels, similar to the petrol, with NV, NRG, GX and VX.

The new diesel for the RAV4 has been given a 5bhp power boost over the previous two-litre D-4D engine used on the Avensis saloon, with the added fitting of a variable nozzle turbocharger which provides computerised engine control, calculating the optimum turbocharger pressure from throttle use, engine speed and temperatures. It is also a much cleaner and more economical engine. Control of the fuel injection is through the engine control unit and a fly-by-wire throttle position sensor. There is no accelerator cable.

Fuel guzzling is not part of the RAV4 make-up, and the diesel returns just under 40mpg for both three and five-door models on the combined cycle.

With such economy figures behind it, the RAV4 diesel is seen by Toyota as a keen contender in the fleet market. It also benefits from 20,000-mile service intervals, making maintenance and repair costs even more competitive. It also has twin catalytic converters to meet future emission controls.

Positive Reaction

This RAV4 version is a pretty good performer, with a top speed of 106mph and acceleration to 62mph in 12.1 seconds. At the launch, the on-road driving allowed for high-speeds, as well as for negotiating traffic in towns and villages, and overall the diesel engine reacted positively to every demand. No sluggish pick-up, and a smooth gear change, proved reassuring.

So what else does the new model offer? Well, it will carry the same specification details as the petrol-powered models. Even the designated NV entry level model will have air conditioning, whiplash protection front seats, driver and front passenger airbags, roof rails, ABS with electronic brake force distribution ensuring smooth braking to all wheels, as well as remote control alarm system, double locking and immobiliser.

Other standard features include power steering, electric front windows, power mirrors, radio/cassette player, and a rear seating layout that slides, folds, tumbles or can be removed if wanted.

Pricing has been reached by adding £1,000 to the petrol-powered models. The NV three-door two-litre costs £15,995, the five-door model £17,495, the same as the NRG three-door. The GX five-door comes at £18,695 and the flagship VX at £20,695.

If you are looking for comparisons, then Toyota uses the five-door NV at £17,495 to match against rivals from the Land Rover, Suzuki and Vauxhall stables. For starters, it is the only model to have air conditioning as standard, and for the Land Rover Freelander two-litre turbo diesel to provide matching specification, such as air conditioning, roof rails and a passenger airbag, would add another £1,300 to its £18,695 price ticket.

It is a similar story with Suzuki's Grand Vitara and the Vauxhall Frontera. Both would cost more to match the RAV4 D-4D specification.